bernard
THEE Realist
Clark Atlanta’s marching band was in critical condition. Tomisha Brock is changing the tune.
Brock is the first female band director of the Mighty Marching Panthers
January 26, 2018Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Earlier this year, Tomisha Brock made history when she was named band director of Clark Atlanta University. She’s not only the first woman to lead the band, she’s also the first female band director in the entire Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. She arrived at a critical juncture for the once-formidable Mighty Marching Panthers, whose membership had dwindled to just six students by the time she was hired in June.
We recently spoke with Brock, 35, about turning the band around, what makes marching band culture so unique at HBCUs, and why there aren’t more women in roles like hers.
Was “marching band director” always a goal? When did you start thinking about doing this kind of job?
I began playing an instrument—the clarinet—when I was 10 years old, in elementary school, and I joined the marching band at the beginning of high school in ninth grade. I actually attended two high schools, Warwick High School in Newport News, and Smithfield High School in Smithfield, Virginia, and the band was a constant for me. When I went to college at Virginia State University, I just wanted to continue that experience of being in the band. I’ve always loved being able to travel for competitions and football games, playing all different types of music, and just learning something new every season.
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news...and-critical-director-tomisha-brock-changing/
Brock is the first female band director of the Mighty Marching Panthers
January 26, 2018Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Earlier this year, Tomisha Brock made history when she was named band director of Clark Atlanta University. She’s not only the first woman to lead the band, she’s also the first female band director in the entire Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. She arrived at a critical juncture for the once-formidable Mighty Marching Panthers, whose membership had dwindled to just six students by the time she was hired in June.
We recently spoke with Brock, 35, about turning the band around, what makes marching band culture so unique at HBCUs, and why there aren’t more women in roles like hers.
Was “marching band director” always a goal? When did you start thinking about doing this kind of job?
I began playing an instrument—the clarinet—when I was 10 years old, in elementary school, and I joined the marching band at the beginning of high school in ninth grade. I actually attended two high schools, Warwick High School in Newport News, and Smithfield High School in Smithfield, Virginia, and the band was a constant for me. When I went to college at Virginia State University, I just wanted to continue that experience of being in the band. I’ve always loved being able to travel for competitions and football games, playing all different types of music, and just learning something new every season.
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news...and-critical-director-tomisha-brock-changing/
